There’s no better time to visit Aruba than during the Holidays, especially during Carnival, Christmas or New Years. Start your own new family tradition by visiting Aruba to experience our one-of-a-kind cultural celebrations, like our National Flag & Anthem Day, King’s Day, Dera Gai and Saint Nicholas Day, or during our incredible festivals like the Soul Beach or Summer Music Festivals, the Aruba Hi-Winds windsurfing competition, or the Aruba International Pro-Am Golf tournament. Visit our Holidays & Special Events calendar to look for the best times to visit the One Happy Island.

Visit Aruba during the holidays to make them extra happy, start a new family tradition or experience one of our one-of-a-kind events or festivals, likeCarnival, that bring people to Aruba from all over the world.

A strong sense of pride is displayed each year as Arubans celebrate their “Status Aparte” and the Flag and Anthem Day. An impressive folkloric production marking the holiday is held each year at Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad. This official holiday also features many cultural events showcasing the local gastronomy of Aruba, as well as sporting events and organized games for both adults and kids around the island.

An official government ceremony in honor of King Willem Alexander is followed by numerous sporting events and family-friendly celebrations. Sports competitions, kite flying contests, and fun-filled activities are held at various sites including community centers.

On the night of June 23rd, theFestival of San Juan Dera Gai begins. Folk groups dance, special tunes are chanted and bonfires are lit, as men are blindfolded and try to strike a gourd that represents the head of a buried rooster.

This second edition of a two-day festival features exciting artists never before seen live in Aruba. Last year’s edition featured artists like Nicky Jam, Jerry Rivera, Elvis Crespo, Carlos Vives, and Pitbull

Aruba’s trade winds provide the perfect conditions for the largest amateurwindsurfing event in the Caribbean. In early July, enjoy five days of nonstop entertainment, as over 100 international windsurfers hit the waters surrounding Aruba.

While it may be 82 degrees year round in Aruba, the spirit of Christmas and the holiday season remain strong. With over 90 nationalities represented on our island, you’ll see a mixture of traditions from all over the world.

The festivities kick off with Saint Nicholas day on December 5th, when Aruba’s children line Oranjestad harbor for the ceremonious arrival of “Sinterklaas” (Saint Nicolas), dressed in bishop’s robes and accompanied by his “Zwarte Pieten” (helpers), followed by the Dande Festival on December 27th, when troupes of traveling musicians perform their original music and lyrics.

As the New Year approaches, there is a nonstop calendar of events, including fireworks displays, Dande music performances and parties at restaurants and nightclubs.